What is the best thing about summer for you? For me, it is the warm weather, the extra space of being able to dine outside, the extra light in the evening, the chance to get outside for a walk/cycle without the multiple extra layers of clothing — mostly, a time to recharge.
I have been doing all those things and enjoying the ‘dog days of summer’ with some of the quilting joys of kit-making, top-making and quilting. I hope you have allowed yourself the joys that most suit your version of summertime!
I still need my time in a quilt-room. I have been working on completing some of our donated tops and last week, I had the opportunity to spend a great day with Christine and Brigid cutting more kits. (I know, since I didn’t take photos, did it really happen?) It must’ve happened, as we have 6 more kits ready to go. It’s quite fun, actually, to spend the day selecting fabric to create different versions of a pattern. I am eager to see the finished quilts that emerge from these kits — the colourways were quite inspired! If you enjoy the cutting phase of the quilting process, let us know. We can get you a stack of fabric and a pattern and you can prepare some kits for us.
Although it is still August and there is lots of lovely relaxing summer ahead of us, I am planning ahead to the fall. Are you planning to join us for the 11 in 11 Challenge? Can you finish 11 quilts in the first 11 days of November? By ‘finish’, I mean one stage – could you piece 11 tops or quilt 11 quilts or bind 11 finishes. Let us know if you are ready for the challenge, so that we can have the kits, or tops, or bindings ready to go.
Presentations continued through the month. Each presentation is a chance to connect with the men and women who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. I am touched by the emotional responses and warmed by the knowledge that your artistry is bringing much-needed comfort and reassurance. This month, one of the family members sent this note: “Thank-you is not enough. M is a quiet man when it comes to his service. As he mentioned, it’s only been in the last 2 years tops, he’s started to talk about in depth experiences. He was always troubled and not himself upon return but always did his best to acclimate to life again.
Thank-you you again. Your emotion was heartfelt and means so much to those that still suffer in silence.”
We have sew-days scheduled for September and October and look forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t been to one of our sew-days, all you need to bring is your sewing machine and basic tools. Brigid and Christine bring the fabrics and the pattern. By the end of the day, we will have a top (or two or more tops) ready to find their way to completion. We have recently received more quilty books and magazines that are looking for new homes — for a modest donation (that goes to purchasing threads and backing) you could have new inspiration at your fingertips!
By the way, if you are looking for a carrying case for your machine, Karen found that the one she purchased is doesn’t fit her machine. She is hoping that someone might like to purchase it from her. Contact me if you are interested and I will pass along the information.
Have a great August! Get those batteries up to fully charged!
Happy Stitching,
Nancy
Coming Events
Wed Sept 6 — Sew-day, CannaConnect (215 Menten Place, Nepean) 9:30 – 3:00
Wed Oct 11 — Sew-day, CannaConnect (215 Menten Place, Nepean) 9:30 – 3:00
Ottawa Region: Quilts of Valour - Canada 